Over 1,000 new jobs are to be created over the next three years as part of a €350 million expansion programme by the retailer Aldi.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin today turned the first sod on construction of Aldi Stores Ireland’s €100 million distribution centre and office facility at Mitchelstown Co Cork.
Over 400 jobs are being created as a result of the construction of the new centre while 160 people will be employed at the facility once it is completed.
A further 490 jobs are to be created around the country as part of Aldi’s plan to open 35 new stores over the next three years.
“Aldi’s decision to invest €350million in expansion in Ireland at this time and to locate its new distribution centre and office facility in Mitchelstown is a huge boost to the North Cork economy, “ said Minister Martin today.
The new 56,905 square metre facility will primarily service Aldi’s southern stores throughout Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford and Clare. It is expected that the centre will take 22 months to complete.
Aldi, which has seen its market share soar in recent years as consumers look for better deals, currently employs 1,200 people in Ireland.
The company’s Irish operations recorded a 23 per cent growth in sales during the first quarter of 2009.
